Cordless exothermic rod ignition system

Abstract

A cordless hand held exothermic rod ignition system including a housing containing a direct current power source to permit contact by an exothermic rod to initiate an arc between one end of the exothermic rod and the ignition system to cause ignition of that end of the exothermic rod in the presence of oxygen supplied through the exothermic rod.

We claim: 
     
       1. A cordless exothermic rod ignition system comprising in combination: an electrically insulated generally cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end;   first means fixed to said first end of said housig and adapted to be connected to the positive terminal of a source of direct current;   second means fixed to said first end of said housing and adapted to be connected to the negative terminal of a source of direct current;   a source of direct current disposed within said housing and connected to said first and second means on said first end of said housing;   said first and second means fixed to said first end of said housing being spaced apart from one another and adapted to permit simultaneous contact by an elongated metallic exothermic electrode and subsequent repositioning of said electrode while maintaining contact with at least one of said means to permit an arc to strike between said electrode and one of said means in the presence of oxygen to cause ignition and burning of said electrode.   
     
     
       2. An ignition system according to claim 1 wherein said first and second means are respectively copper or copper based alloy striker plates. 
     
     
       3. An ignition system according to claim 1 wherein said source of direct current disposed within said housing is a disposable battery pack. 
     
     
       4. An ignition system according to claim 3 wherein said battery pack produces at least four volts. 
     
     
       5. An ignition system according to claim 1 wherein said source of direct current is a rechargeable battery pack. 
     
     
       6. An ignition system according to claim 1 wherein said housing has disposed therein a rechargeable battery pack and said housing includes a cap on said second end with means to permit recharging of said battery pack. 
     
     
       7. An ignition system according to claim 1 wherein said first and second means are constructed and arranged to facilitate contact by said electrode with minimun exposure of said first and second means to the user. 
     
     
       8. An ignition system according to claim 1 wherein said system is constructed and arranged to be hand held and facilitates ignition of an exothermic electrode.